Research Study at Ball State University

Backed By Science

Ball State Univ. Study

Third Party Test of C.U.B.B. Performance
Purpose

To determine if the CUBB can effectively enhance muscle activation in both the sagittal and transverse planes during common upper body exercises, such as bench press, Arnold press, biceps curl, and push-up.

Procedure

To evaluate the effectiveness of the CUBB, Ball State University researchers recruited 21 college-aged male participants. The participants performed standard upper body exercises, including bench press, Arnold press, biceps curl, and push-up, using both the CUBB and traditional devices.

The load of the exercise devices was set to 30% of each participant's body weight. Electromyography (EMG) sensors were attached to the surface of key muscles, including the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, triceps brachii, biceps brachii, pronator teres, and supinator, to measure electrical activity and assess muscle activation patterns. Additionally, standard laboratory motion capture was employed to analyze movement quality and biomechanics.

Results

The study found that the CUBB significantly enhanced muscle activation compared to traditional training methods. Specifically, the CUBB:

Increased forearm muscle activation: The CUBB led to greater activation in the pronator teres and supinator muscles, crucial for forearm strength and stability.

Enhanced bicep activation: The CUBB also increased activation in the biceps muscles, particularly during exercises like biceps curls.

Maintained primary muscle activation: While significantly impacting secondary muscle groups, the CUBB did not compromise the activation of primary muscle groups like the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii.

These findings suggest that the CUBB offers a unique training stimulus, promoting comprehensive upper body development and injury prevention.

Significance

The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of the CUBB to revolutionize traditional strength training. By introducing rotational resistance, the CUBB offers a unique training stimulus that can lead to:

Enhanced muscle activation: Increased activation of both primary and secondary muscle groups, including the forearm muscles and biceps.

Improved strength and performance: The potential for increased strength, power, and muscle growth, especially in rotational-based movements.

Reduced risk of injury: The balanced development of muscle groups can contribute to improved joint stability and reduced risk of injury.

Enhanced athletic performance: For athletes in sports requiring rotational power and grip strength, the CUBB can provide a valuable training tool.

Overall, the CUBB represents a significant advancement in strength training technology, offering a versatile and effective approach to achieving optimal physical fitness.

Purpose
Procedure
Results
Significance

Results for Biceps Curls

Bicep Activation: The C.U.B.B. significantly increased the activation of both the long head (BiLong) and short head (BiShort) of the biceps brachii compared to traditional methods. Specifically, the C.U.B.B. activated the BiLong 35% more than the easy bar (EB) and 27% more than the dumbbell (DB). The BiShort was activated 30% more with the C.U.B.B. than with the DB.

These findings suggest that the C.U.B.B. is an effective tool for enhancing bicep strength and muscle development, providing a more intense workout compared to traditional methods.

Results for the Arnold Press

Triceps (TRI): The C.U.B.B. exercise significantly increased TRI muscle activation compared to the DB exercise (37% increase, p < 0.001).

Pronator (PRO): The C.U.B.B. exercise led to a substantial 97% increase in PRO muscle activation compared to the DB exercise (p = 0.002).

Supinator (SUP): No significant differences in SUP muscle activation were observed between the C.U.B.B. and DB exercises (p = 0.788).

Results for the Push-up

Primary Muscle Activation: The C.U.B.B. did not significantly alter the activation of primary muscle groups like the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii compared to traditional and perfect push-ups.

Forearm Muscle Activation: The C.U.B.B. significantly increased the activation of forearm muscles. Specifically, the pronator teres was activated 112% more (p < 0.002) with the C.U.B.B. than the perfect push-up and 174% more (p < 0.002) than the traditional push-up. The supinator was activated 91% more (p < 0.001) with the C.U.B.B. than the traditional push-up and 73% more (p < 0.03) than the perfect push-up.

These findings suggest that the C.U.B.B. is an effective tool for enhancing forearm strength and power, while still providing a challenging workout for the primary muscle groups involved in the push-up.

Results for the Bench Press

Triceps Activation: The C.U.B.B. significantly increased triceps activation by 23% compared to dumbbells. Barbells also showed a trend towards increased triceps activation.

Forearm Activation: The C.U.B.B. significantly increased pronator teres and supinator activation by 41% and 67%, respectively, compared to dumbbells. It also increased these muscles’ activation by 37% and 30%, respectively, compared to barbells.

These findings suggest that the C.U.B.B. is an effective tool for enhancing both primary muscle groups and supporting forearm muscles during upper body exercises.

View the Complete Study

The Results are Here